Creamy Dream: White Cheese Chicken Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna, the ultimate comfort food, gets a luxurious and flavor-packed makeover with this White Cheese Chicken Lasagna recipe. Forget the traditional red sauce; this version features a creamy, decadent white cheese sauce, tender shredded chicken, and layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or any special occasion. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new way!

Why You’ll Love This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

* **Rich and Creamy:** The white cheese sauce is unbelievably creamy and flavorful, providing a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
* **Comfort Food Classic, Elevated:** It’s a familiar favorite with a sophisticated twist, offering a satisfying and comforting meal with an elegant touch.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** This recipe makes a generous portion, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for lunch.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs.
* **Impressive but Easy:** While it looks impressive, this lasagna is surprisingly straightforward to make, even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.

* **Lasagna Noodles:** 1 pound, oven-ready or regular (if using regular, cook according to package directions).
* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** 15 ounces (full-fat ricotta works best for creaminess).
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 2 cups shredded, divided.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1 cup grated, divided.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick).
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup.
* **Milk:** 4 cups (whole milk or 2% milk).
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Fresh Spinach:** 5 ounces, roughly chopped (optional).
* **Dried Oregano:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Dried Basil:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Nutmeg:** Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a subtle warmth).
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish (optional).

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot (for cooking noodles if using regular noodles).
* Large skillet or Dutch oven.
* 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Mixing bowls.
* Measuring cups and spoons.
* Cheese grater.
* Cutting board.
* Knife.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your delicious White Cheese Chicken Lasagna.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** There are several ways to cook the chicken. You can bake it, poach it, or even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. For baking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. **Shred the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks or your hands. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the White Cheese Sauce (Béchamel)

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. **Add Flour:** Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux; it should be a pale golden color.
3. **Gradually Add Milk and Broth:** Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Add Seasonings:** Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. **Remove from Heat:** Take the sauce off the heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of the parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. The cheeses will add flavor and structure.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Spread Sauce:** Spread a thin layer of the white cheese sauce on the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the lasagna noodles from sticking and adds moisture.
3. **Layer Noodles:** Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish. If using regular noodles, make sure they are cooked al dente before layering.
4. **Spread Ricotta Mixture:** Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
5. **Add Chicken:** Sprinkle half of the shredded chicken over the ricotta cheese mixture.
6. **Add Spinach (Optional):** If using spinach, spread half of the chopped spinach over the chicken.
7. **Pour Sauce:** Pour another layer of the white cheese sauce over the chicken and spinach.
8. **Repeat Layers:** Repeat layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining chicken, remaining spinach (if using), and white cheese sauce.
9. **Top with Noodles:** Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles.
10. **Pour Remaining Sauce:** Pour the remaining white cheese sauce evenly over the top layer of noodles.
11. **Sprinkle with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the top. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. **Cover with Foil:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly and helps the lasagna cook evenly.
2. **Bake:** Bake for 30 minutes.
3. **Remove Foil:** Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. **Rest:** Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
2. **Serve:** Cut into squares and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Simply shred the chicken and proceed with the recipe.
* **Add Vegetables:** Get creative and add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to the lasagna. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the layers.
* **Cheese Variations:** Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or Gruyere for a unique flavor profile.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the white cheese sauce for a little heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Consider adding roasted vegetables like butternut squash or eggplant.
* **Use Oven-Ready Noodles:** Oven-ready lasagna noodles are a convenient time-saver. Just make sure to use enough sauce to keep them moist.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** Lasagna can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to lasagna.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Offer steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy side dish.
* **Wine Pairing:** Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 550-700
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Enjoy Your Creamy White Cheese Chicken Lasagna!

This White Cheese Chicken Lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and layers of deliciousness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to experience lasagna like never before! Bon appétit!